ADF rebel leader Jamilu Mukulu trial starts today

The trial of Jamilu Mukulu, the former leader of the Allied Democratic Forces rebels is set to kick off today at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala.

The hearing of the case is set to begin with a pre- trial session to be handled by Justice Eva Luswata whereas the main hearing will be handled by Moses Mukiibi,Suzan Okalany and Michael Elubu .

A pretrial hearing is a meeting that occurs before a trial action begins. These are generally attended by the plaintiff, defendant, the judge, the lawyers, and sometimes other parties. Pretrial hearings aim to resolve some of the legal issues before the trial begins.

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Mukulu was the leader of the Allied Democratic Forces rebels who terrorised some parts of Uganda including allegedly planting bombs in Kampala in the 1990s until he was arrested 2015.

According to the judiciary, the three judges to hear the case at a date that is yet to be set include; Moses Mukiibi,Suzan Okalany and Michael Elubu whereas justice Eva Luswata will handle the pre-trial session of the case.

Mukulu was arrested in 2015 in Tanzania before being extradited to Uganda to face justice over atrocities committed by the Allied Democratic Forces(ADF) rebel group which was also declared as a terrorism organisation.

He was first arraigned before the Jinja Chief Magistrates court before being charged together with 34 others of offences related to terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, aiding and abetting terrorism , crimes against humanity and belonging to a terrorist organisation.

He is currently being detained at Luzira in Kampala from Nalufenya detention centre in Jinja district where he was prior.

Mukulu is accused of launching a rebellion when he formed ADF out of remnants of the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda(NALU), terrorising people in Western Uganda areas of Rwenzori leading to death of many.

The group is accused of masterminding the attack, burning and the resultant death of over 80 students at Kichwamba Technical Institute in 1998.

Prosecution also alleges that Mukulu masterminded the killing of various Muslim Sheikhs in Uganda between 2013 and 2015.

A number of recent brutal killings including that of Maj.Muhammad Kiggundu, AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi and Joan Kagezi have in the past been linked to the ADF group but the country and world at large will be waiting to see if this is proven during Mukulu’s trial.